Happy Birthday Xena: You're a Teenager!

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(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Xena, Age 13

Happily Sits for her Supper

Today is a big day at our house, as Xena is having a birthday. Not just any birthday--her 13th. She is officially a teenager now. In dog years, that makes her about 84 human years, or so I have read.

Looking at the world through Xena's eyes as she has grown older, I have begun to learn a good deal about what to expect for myself. I hope that I will grow older with the same grace that Xena exudes every day. She is always happy, never complains and enjoys every opportunity that comes her way. We should all be so fortunate as to see the world in this happy-go-lucky way.

Not a day goes by that Xena does not cheerfully greet me at the door when I return home, playfully steal my sock and implore me to chase her, or simply enjoy a snuggle while I stroke her fur. It is all this, and so much more, that endure dogs to us, and we owe it to them to return it in kind.

The love, the lessons, the constant affection, all enrich our lives beyond what we can possibly return to them. In telling you, today, about Xena's happy arrival at age 84, I wish to share this message from her perspective. All she has needed or wanted from me is unconditional love in return for that which she has given. I try to return more than she gives. Not in treats, but in the things she really needs: exercise, continued mental stimulation (can we call it training at 13?), and affection. I hope I meet her every expectation, just as she has met mine. 

Happy Birthday Xena

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Big Dogs Like to Be Held Too

Tanner is rather an odd duck...er...dog. Unlike most big dogs, he loves to be held like many smaller ones. Or maybe it is simply that most humans don't hold their big dogs. That's probably it.

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Tanner and I Play in the Pool on a Cold Day

Tanner even enjoys being held like a toddler, as in the next two photos. Toni is his best buddy for holding like this. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, Tanner or Toni.

© photo copyright 2007 Carrie Boyko

Toni Holds Tanner

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Tanner and Toni

Love to Snuggle Like This

My Profile Picture

Tanner and I Show Off Our Mutual Trust

I'd love to share your photos of big dogs being held. Or little dogs on your laps. Any photos that you would like to share are welcome. Send them to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I'm looking forward to having a Readers' Photo Post, but I'll need your help. Send those pictures in, so I can show off your furry friends.

The Mothering Instinct is Golden!

© AP Photo/The Daily Reporter, Rob Morgan/Scanpix

This Golden Retriever Took Over Nursing

the Youngsters of a Tiger,

when Mama Tiger Abandoned Them

This is not a current event, nor is it anything we haven't all already heard. But it is a heartwarming image that will remain with me forever. My two retrievers have always struck me as nurturing dogs. This Golden Retriever mama, Isabella, whose own puppies were just weaned, took over for a zoo tiger, when she just didn't have the instinct to take care of them. "Isabella licks them, cleans them and feeds them. Tom Harvey, the owner of Safari Zoological Park said that it's a miracle."


What can you say except Wow! Isn't adoption great? This dog didn't care if the puppies were boys girls, rabbits or monkeys; she just wanted to nurture their little cries and nuzzling mouths. This is the epitomy of motherhood, foster parenting, affection, and social action.

Lap Dogs--Ya Gotta Love 'Em, or Maybe Not: What Do You Think?

There are dog experts out there who say dogs don't belong on our laps. Some believe this is a dominant place for a dog to be, and that they should ALWAYS be on the floor. I understand their position on this. However, as you can see from these photos, my dogs aren't exactly aware of the Dog Whisperer's rules.

That's not to say that I don't have rules, boundaries and limitations. I do. But the red couch in my family room is for everyone, unless I ask them to move. They know I'm the boss, and they don't argue the point. They just move and all is well.

To tell you the truth, snuggling with a dog is rather soothing to me. Sometimes, when I have a headache, or something heavy to think about, a puppy on my lap or lying beside me is like therapy.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Can we retain our position as pack leaders, while still allowing the occasional pup on the lap? We certainly do it with our cats. What do you think? Take my quick poll that follows and let me know how you feel about this topic. I'd love to know. Thanks for your input.

Congratulations, Kodi!

Kodi, pictured here, is a sweet foster dog who has now found a forever home. This is the sort of Cinderella story I love. Her foster mom found a gentleman who liked her interest in Frisbee play and took over Kodi's foster care. He did this to help promote Kodi among other Frisbee dog lovers, since that was his interest and passion.

Surprise! Kodi's new foster dad fell in love with Kodi's playful affection and adopted her for his own. Kodi now has a family to call her own. Aren't success stories wonderful?!

If you're interested in adopting a dog who needs a home, check out Fluffy and Zoey in the sidebar of the blog. They are available and adorable. What's not to like about that?!

Congratulations, Kodi!